Pain has a way of quietly changing how you live.
At first, it may feel manageable. A knee that aches after a long day. A shoulder that feels tight when you reach overhead. A back pain that lingers longer than it should.
Over time, discomfort can gradually change your routine. You may avoid certain movements, reduce enjoyable activities, or experience disrupted sleep due to ongoing pain.
At Total Medical & Wellness, we encounter this daily. Many patients seek effective, targeted treatments that address inflammation at its source and restore comfortable movement, rather than temporary solutions or ongoing medication.
Cortisone injections are a trusted, proven treatment for reducing inflammation and helping patients regain comfort and mobility, often without surgery.
We provide a careful, personalized approach. We assess the source and persistence of your pain to determine if cortisone injections are appropriate within a comprehensive plan for long-term relief and improved quality of life.
A cortisone injection (or steroid injection) is a medical treatment that delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into a painful or inflamed area of the body. The medication is a corticosteroid (often called “cortisone”) combined with a small amount of local anesthetic.
Unlike oral medications that circulate throughout your entire body, cortisone injections deliver the medication directly to the problem area. This targeted approach allows for stronger local relief while reducing the risk of widespread side effects.
Cortisone injections are often combined with a small amount of local anesthetic. This helps provide short-term comfort immediately after the injection while the cortisone begins working over the following days.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury. However, excessive or prolonged inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and tissue damage.
Cortisone works by:
Direct delivery to the site of inflammation often provides faster and more effective relief than oral medications.
Inflammation is a natural and necessary part of healing. Problems arise when it does not resolve as expected.
Chronic inflammation can:
In arthritis, inflammation damages cartilage and increases joint stiffness. In tendons and bursae, it causes pain with movement. Around the spine, inflammation may compress nerves, causing radiating pain.
Cortisone injections work by calming this overactive inflammatory response, giving irritated tissues a chance to settle down and function more normally.
Cortisone injections are widely used for many musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, including:
*For spinal conditions like stenosis, herniated discs, and sciatica, the injections are typically epidural steroid injections—a subtype often performed under fluoroscopy by pain management specialists.
At Total Medical & Wellness, we do not do cortisone injections for herniated discs, stenosis, or sciatica.
Cortisone injections are typically performed in our office and require only a short visit. The process generally includes:
Before recommending an injection, we conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical exam, imaging, and a review of your medical history to ensure accurate targeting of the pain source.
The skin is cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. When necessary, imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, is used to ensure precise placement.
A thin needle delivers cortisone directly into the inflamed joint or tissue. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
You will receive clear instructions on rest, activity, and what to expect in the days following your injection.
We prioritize accuracy by delivering medication directly to the site of inflammation, maximizing results and minimizing side effects.
Relief from a cortisone injection may not be immediate, but many patients notice improvement within a short period.
The timeline varies based on the condition and severity of inflammation. Some patients experience significant improvement, while others notice gradual but meaningful relief.
The duration of relief depends on several factors:
For some, a single injection provides relief for several months. For others, injections are used strategically to manage flare-ups or facilitate rehabilitation and healing.
Cortisone injections are not intended for frequent use. Our team carefully limits their frequency to protect joint health and ensure long-term safety.
Many people use oral anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief, but long-term use carries risks.
Oral medications:
Cortisone injections provide targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects, making them suitable for patients needing local treatment.
When administered properly and used responsibly, cortisone injections are considered safe and well-tolerated.
Common Temporary Side Effects:
At Total Medical & Wellness, patient safety is our top priority. We evaluate risks, monitor outcomes, and appropriately space injections.
After your injection, you may need to rest the area briefly. Most patients resume normal activities within a day, though strenuous exercise may be temporarily restricted.
It is normal to feel:
Cortisone injections are most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, strengthening exercises, posture correction, or lifestyle changes to support long-term improvement.
Cortisone injections may be appropriate if chronic pain limits your mobility or daily activities, especially when inflammation persists despite conservative measures such as rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication.
If you wish to delay or avoid surgery, or if pain hinders progress in physical therapy, cortisone injections may provide the necessary relief.
A full medical evaluation is essential, as not all pain responds best to cortisone. Our team will assess your condition, review your history, and discuss your goals to determine if cortisone injections are the most beneficial option.
At Total Medical & Wellness, we offer expert cortisone injection services focused on accuracy, safety, and long-term improvement.
Our experienced team takes time to understand your pain, identify its cause, and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If joint, muscle, or nerve pain is holding you back, cortisone injections may help restore your comfort and mobility.
Take the next step toward reduced pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life in Glendale, Arizona.
Most patients find the injection mildly uncomfortable but tolerable. Any post-injection soreness is typically brief.
Injections are typically spaced and limited to a single area per year. Your provider will determine what is safe and appropriate.
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and pain but do not repair damaged tissue. In some cases, they may accelerate cartilage loss. They are often part of a broader treatment plan.
Most patients resume normal activities within a day, though strenuous activity may be temporarily restricted.
